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Sailing Seminars

With more than 150 hourly seminars available, you’re sure to find a session that suits your sailing skills, whether you’re simply curious, a new sailor still learning the ropes or consider yourself an able skipper. See the seminars page for topics and schedule. PLUS, don’t miss our full-day advanced seminars featured here.

Huck Finn Trout Pond

FREE fishing for children 12 and younger

There's no limit to the fun! Catch-and-release fishing pond is a great way to introduce youngsters to the fun of fishing. Free for kids 12 and younger!

PaddleFest

FREE Paddle Sports Demos

Experience the fun of stand up paddle boarding (SUP), kayaking SUP yoga and other paddle sports. We’ll provide all the gear and instruction you need to take a test ride.

Remote Control Sailboat Racing

Have you ever sailed in January…in Chicago? Ever sailed indoors? The remote control sailing pond offers you the chance to do just that. Race against your family, friends and teammates to see who the fastest sailor in the Midwest is!

RV Info Center

Don't miss leading RV expert and author of The RV Handbook David Solberg. Dave will be on hand to chat with you about the joys of RVing and his experiences on the road and behind the wheel. Whether you’re a first-timer, a full-timer, or fall somewhere in between Dave can answer your questions and offer proven, practical advice for your next road trip.

Chicago Sailing Sail Simulator

Free Sailing Lessons

Discover the fun of sailing—without leaving the show floor. Enjoy a true-to-life sailing experience as you tack and jibe and use the tiller to keep the boat level while fans fill the sails and move the boat from side to side.

Progressive® Insurance Boat Club

Boost your boating IQ!

Come visit the Progressive Boat Club! Progressive provides education and inspiration in partnership with the Annapolis School of Seamanship so you can get the most of your boating lifestyle! Stop by to master your docking technique at our docking pool or take a spin at a Virtual Reality boating experience. You can also chat with a Progressive Insurance expert to ask any questions about boating coverages or get a free quote!

Children younger than age 13 can participate in the virtual reality activation with parent's onsite permission.

SEMINAR TOPICS:

• Ask a Captain

• Hooking Up

• Curse Like a Sailor

• Boating Apps

• Docking De-Stressed

• 10 Steps to Being a Good Gilligan

Corona Find Your Beach Bar & Cantina

Put yourself in a vacation state of mind!

The Corona Find Your Beach Bar & Cantina serves up an island resort ambiance along with icy cold beverages and tasty casual fare including Baha Cali fish tacos, beer battered fish & chips and specialty flatbreads. It’s the perfect place to take a break, meet up with friends and ponder your outdoor adventure options. Todd Donnelly of the Mr. Myers Band will provide musical entertainment.

Chicago Maritime Arts Center Build-a-Boat

Learn how to build a boat

Test your boat building skills! Build a boat from a sheet of aluminum foil and compete with other boat builders to see whose design can hold the most golf balls without sinking. Open to kids and adults. Stop by to watch the action and learn about kids building boats.

Top competitors from all categories will get a CMAC water bottle.

First Prize for kids ages 11–15—Full scholarship for any CMAC 2019 Boat Building Program (a $500 value)

Discover Boating Experience

Offering an interactive area to mingle with other attendees, listen to presentations by outdoors enthusiasts, participate in demos, discover new products, and more, the DBX offers guests a variety of avenues to connect to the boating and outdoor world